The change means as many as 20 million veterans will be able to shop online at Army and Air Force Exchanges. Dubbed the "Veterans Online Shopping Benefit," online shopping priviliges will start on Nov. 11 - Veterans Day.

"We are excited to provide these benefits to honorably discharged veterans to recognize their service and welcome them home to their military family," said Peter Levine, performing the duties for the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness. "In addition, this initiative represents a low-risk, low-cost opportunity to help fund Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs in support of service members' and their families' quality of life. And it's just the right thing to do."

All Exchange products except uniforms, alcohol and tobacco will be available for purchase on line.

Commissaries, which rely on taxpayer subsidies, will remain off limit for veterans, however.

Expansion of the Exchange shopping benefit comes after years of pressure from the Army and Air Force. Exchanges generate revenue for military quality of life efforts, such as outdoor recreation, child development centers and youth services and more shoppers means more money for the programs.

The move could produce as much as $1.13 billion in annual sales, according to military estimates, with as much as $108 million going back to the military in support of quality of life programs.